Gianna Diaz participated in a summer intensive with acclaimed choreographer Doug Varone, thanks to support from the College of Fine Arts Medici Circle.
Diaz, an MFA candidate studying dance performance and choreography, took the summer workshop with Varone and DOVA Dance at Hunter College in New York City, two weeks of immersive technical training, creative work, and exposure to the company’s style.
The DOVA Workshop marked its 25th year, held in NYC for the first time, in the beautiful spacious spaces at Hunter College.
Students: Become a Medici Scholar. | Supporters: Join the Medici Circle.
The mornings were focused on Varone’s unique movement vocabulary, taught by members of the DOVA company. Afternoons were dedicated to contact improvisation and learning large repertory sections from Varone’s iconic works, such as “To My Arms/Restore.”
“Collaborating with over 40 talented dancers fostered a strong sense of community and provided valuable networking opportunities,” she said.
The intensive was instructive.
“Immersing myself in contact improvisation and learning repertoire from Varone’s iconic works expanded my versatility and creativity as a dancer. Observing open rehearsals and Varone’s creative process enriched my appreciation for choreography and offered profound insights into the artistic journey of a renowned dance company.
“Additionally, we had the privilege of observing open rehearsals, gaining insights into Varone’s creative process and his previous choreographic works.”
Students: Become a Medici Scholar. | Supporters: Join the Medici Circle.
Medici Circle Appreciation
“I am deeply grateful to Christine DeFouw for providing the funds that enabled me to attend this incredible summer intensive with Doug Varone and dancers.”
Medici Circle support allows talented artists and scholars like Gianna to pursue an educational summer project beyond the classroom.
Previously on “Medici Mondays”
- Aubrey Behrens … art … 10.27.24
- David Aberle … film … 10.20.24
- Ginger Crow … music … 10.13.24
- Ryan Evans … dance … 10.06.24
- Sarah Greenwell-Scott … art history … 09.29.24
- Haiden Pederson … theatre … 09.22.24
- Gloria Orozco Dorado … music … 09.15.24
- Margo Bartlett … dance … 09.09.24
- Ling-Yu Chou … art … 09.03.24
- Jenna Green … art … 11.06.23
- Adi Beckman … film & television … 10.23.23
- Nhan Ho … dance … 10.16.23
- Giovanni Accadia … music … 10.09.23
- Galen Dara Smith … art … 10.02.23
- Deborah Ruiz … art … 09.25.23
- Ivy Wahome … art … 09.18.23
- Sasha Reist … film, dance … 02.21.22
- Nadari Hockenhull … music … 02.14. 22
- Katie Baird … music … 02.07.22
- Hannah Hutchins … music … 01.31.22
- Gyselle Cuevas … film … 01.24.22
- David Baboila … art … 01.10.22